Grower Glossary – CUpdated 8 days ago

C

C stands for canopy, calcium, and control — key elements in every successful grow. Learn the meaning behind essential terms like chlorophyll, coco coir, cloning, carbon dioxide, and chelation. This glossary blends grower slang with scientific accuracy for clear, practical learning.

Calcium (Ca)

A vital secondary nutrient that strengthens cell walls, supports enzyme activity, and regulates nutrient movement. Deficiency leads to weak stems, curled leaves, and brown spots.

Grower Slang: “Cal-def” or “Cal issue.”

Cronk Tip: Use CalMag 2-0-0 or PuurCalMag consistently, especially in coco or RO water where calcium levels are low.

CalMag

Short for Calcium-Magnesium supplement. Prevents common deficiencies in coco, hydro, and filtered water grows.

Grower Slang: “Running CalMag” or “CalMag first.”

Cronk Tip: Always add CalMag first when mixing nutrients to avoid precipitation (nutrient lockout).

Canopy

The top layer of your plant growth — where light meets leaves. A flat, even canopy ensures uniform light distribution and bigger yields.

Grower Slang: “Dial in your canopy,” “Canopy’s tight,” or “Canopy management.”

Techniques like LST, topping, and SCROG help shape and optimize the canopy.

Cannabis

A flowering plant genus grown for its resinous buds containing cannabinoids (THC, CBD, and others). Cannabis is a short-day annual, meaning photoperiod varieties flower when light cycles shorten.

Grower Slang: “The plant,” “trees,” “girls,” “the crop.”

Cronk Nutrients are formulated for cannabis nutrition but are also effective for fruits, herbs, and vegetables.

Cannabinoids

Chemical compounds produced by cannabis plants that interact with the human endocannabinoid system. The two most well-known are THC (psychoactive) and CBD (non-psychoactive), but over 100 minor cannabinoids exist.

Grower Slang: “Canna compounds,” “actives,” or “cannabinoid profile.”

Lighting, nutrient ratios, and stress levels can influence cannabinoid concentration during flower.

CBD (Cannabidiol)

A non-psychoactive cannabinoid known for its calming and therapeutic properties. Found in both hemp and certain cannabis cultivars.

Grower Slang: “CBD strain” or “high-CBD run.”

Higher CBD content is achieved with genetics bred for expression and stable flower development under optimal light and nutrient balance.

CBG (Cannabigerol)

Known as the “mother cannabinoid” because it’s the precursor to both THC and CBD during plant biosynthesis.

Grower Slang: “CBG base” or “early cannabinoid.”

CBG levels are usually low at harvest unless specifically bred for; harvesting earlier in bloom can slightly increase CBG content.

CBN (Cannabinol)

A mildly psychoactive cannabinoid formed when THC oxidizes over time (aging or exposure to light/air).

Grower Slang: “Sleepy cannabinoid” or “aged THC.”

Higher CBN levels occur in old or overcured buds — associated with sedative effects.

CBC (Cannabichromene)

A minor cannabinoid believed to enhance other cannabinoids through the entourage effect.

Grower Slang: “Minor canna,” “support compound.”

CBC formation is mostly genetic but can be optimized through stable, low-stress flowering conditions.

Capillary Action

The upward movement of water and nutrients through plant tissue and growing media via small pores.

Grower Slang: “Wicking.”

Used in wick hydroponics, bottom-feeding systems, and passive planters.

Carbon Dioxide (CO₂)

A key ingredient in photosynthesis — plants absorb CO₂ and light to produce sugars.

Grower Slang: “CO₂ tanks,” “boosting CO₂,” or “CO₂ burner.”

Supplementing CO₂ (1200–1500 ppm) can increase growth rates and yields when light and environment are dialed in.

Carbon Filter

A filter packed with activated carbon used to remove odors from grow room exhaust air.

Grower Slang: “Carbon scrubber” or “odor control.”

Cronk Tip: Replace filters every 12–18 months for optimal performance.

Carbohydrates

Sugars like glucose that power plant metabolism and microbial life.

Grower Slang: “Plant carbs” or “sugar feed.”

Cronk Tip: Add Sticky Bandit during bloom — it fuels beneficial microbes and enhances flavor, aroma, and resin production.

Carotenoids

Pigments that assist photosynthesis and protect chlorophyll from light stress. They’re also responsible for red, yellow, and orange tones during late flower or senescence.

Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC)

A soil property that measures how well a medium holds nutrients (cations like Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, K⁺).

Grower Slang: “Buffering power.”

Coco has lower CEC than soil, so it needs steady feeding and regular CalMag support.

Cellulose

The main structural material in plant cell walls. Provides rigidity and strength, allowing stems to support heavy buds.

Grower Slang: “Stem strength.”

Chelation

The process of binding nutrients (like iron, zinc, manganese) with organic compounds to keep them soluble and available to roots.

Grower Slang: “Chelated micros.”

Cronk Tip: Micro in the Classic Line contains fully chelated micronutrients for consistent uptake.

Chlorophyll

The green pigment that captures light energy for photosynthesis.

Grower Slang: “Chloro fade” (when leaves pale or yellow).

Yellowing during late flower is natural — it means the plant is finishing and drawing down stored nutrients.

Chlorosis

A term for leaf yellowing due to nutrient deficiencies (often nitrogen, iron, or magnesium).

Grower Slang: “Fade,” “light-green fade,” or “hungry fade.”

Clone

A cutting from a healthy mother plant that develops roots to create an identical plant. Guarantees genetic consistency and faster growth.

Grower Slang: “Cut,” “clone cut,” or “taking cuts.”

Cronk Tip: Use clean scissors, rooting gel, and gentle light. Keep humidity high until roots show through plugs.

Clone Dome / Prop Dome

A clear humidity cover used to retain moisture during cloning or germination.

Grower Slang: “Dome life.”

Pro Tip: Remove daily for air exchange to prevent mold.

Closed-Loop System

A grow setup designed to recycle water, air, and nutrients, minimizing waste. Common in sealed hydroponic or CO₂-enriched environments.

Grower Slang: “Sealed room.”

Clyde

The bloom-phase nutrient in Cronk’s Bonnie & Clyde Autoflower Line, with an optimized 3–6–5 NPK ratio.

Grower Slang: “Feeding Clyde.”

Use with CalMag during bloom for dense, flavorful buds.

Coco Coir

A renewable, pH-neutral grow medium made from coconut husk fibers. Excellent aeration and water retention make it ideal for hydro-style grows.

Grower Slang: “Coco runs,” “coco grow,” or “buffered coco.”

Cronk Tip: Always pre-buffer coco with CalMag before use.

Cold Stress

A physiological stress caused by low temperatures (<20°C / 68°F). Leads to purpling stems, slowed growth, and nutrient uptake issues.

Grower Slang: “Cold snap” or “purple shock.”

Keep the root zone warm and avoid watering with cold solutions.

Cola

A main flowering cluster or bud site on a cannabis plant.

Grower Slang: “Top cola,” “main,” or “stack.”

More colas = more yield. Achieved through topping, SCROG, or LST training.

Colchicine (Advanced Term)

A chemical used in plant breeding to double chromosome count, creating new polyploid strains with unique characteristics. Used in advanced cannabis genetics work.

Compost

Decomposed organic matter rich in nutrients and beneficial microbes.

Grower Slang: “Black gold.”

Even if using Cronk liquid nutrients, adding compost improves structure and microbial life.

Compost Tea

A liquid brewed from compost and beneficial microbes. Used to “inoculate” soil with life and improve root-zone health.

Grower Slang: “Microbe tea” or “brew.”

Cronk Tip: Aerate for 24 hours with an air stone — avoid anaerobic brews (they smell sour).

Conductivity

The ability of a nutrient solution to conduct electricity, measured as EC. Indicates overall feed strength.

Grower Slang: “Hot mix” (high EC) or “weak feed” (low EC).

Contamination (Cross-Contamination)

When harmful microbes or pathogens spread between plants, tools, or systems.

Grower Slang: “Crossed,” “dirty tools,” or “sick cut.”

Sanitize tools between plants to prevent spread of diseases like powdery mildew or root rot.

Cotyledon

The seed’s first leaves (often rounded) that store energy for initial growth.

Grower Slang: “Seed leaves.”

They yellow and fall off naturally as true leaves form.

Crop Steering

A precision cultivation technique using environmental and irrigation changes to “steer” growth toward veg (stretch) or flower (bud building).

Grower Slang: “Steering the crop.”

Used heavily in professional cannabis facilities to maximize yield and resin content.

Crossbreeding

Pollinating two plants with different traits to combine genetics.

Grower Slang: “Cross,” “hybrid,” or “breeding project.”

This is how new cannabis strains are created — e.g., Gelato × Zkittlez = Runtz.

Crown

The base of the stem where it meets the root system. Keeping the crown dry prevents damping-off and stem rot.

Grower Slang: “Stem base.”

Curing

The controlled aging of dried cannabis buds to enhance aroma, smoothness, and potency. Stored around 60% humidityin airtight containers.

Grower Slang: “Jarred up,” “in cure,” or “burping jars.”

Cronk Tip: Open jars daily for the first week to let moisture escape — the key to smooth, flavorful smoke.

Cuticle

The waxy outer layer on leaves that prevents excessive water loss and protects against pests and foliar disease.

Grower Slang: “Leaf skin.”

Cytokinins

Plant hormones that stimulate cell division and new shoot growth. Work in balance with auxins to determine plant shape and bud development.

Grower Slang: “Growth juice.”

COB (Chip on Board)

A type of LED grow light that produces a strong, broad light spectrum.

Grower Slang: “COBs” — known for efficiency and deep canopy penetration.

Clone Mother (Mother Plant)

A mature, healthy plant kept in perpetual veg to provide clone cuttings.

Grower Slang: “Mum” or “mother stock.”

Feed lightly and prune regularly to maintain strong genetics.

Calyx

The small, teardrop-shaped structure that forms part of a cannabis bud, holding pistils and resin glands.

Grower Slang: “Calyx swell” — refers to late-flower bud expansion.

Chloroplast

The plant cell organelle that contains chlorophyll and conducts photosynthesis.

Grower Slang: “Green engines.”

Carbon Scrubber

A ventilation device containing activated carbon used to eliminate odor from grow room exhaust air.

Grower Slang: “Scrubber” or “carbon can.”

CO₂ Controller

An electronic system that monitors and regulates carbon dioxide levels in sealed grows.

Grower Slang: “CO₂ brain.”

Clone War

Grower slang for competition among growers or strains to see who produces the best clones or results. Popular in cannabis communities.

Canopy Penetration

Refers to how deeply light reaches into the plant canopy.

Grower Slang: “Deep penetration” or “light punch.”

Adjusting light height and defoliation increases yield on lower bud sites.

From Coco Coir to Crop Steering, understanding “C” helps you take control of your environment, nutrition, and canopy structure. Use Cronk Nutrients’ balanced formulations to keep your garden consistent and resilient.